2012-2021 Seasons Summary Report

* Shift away from mid-range shots, with a focus on three-pointers and close-range finishes
* Top 4 winning-records out of the sample years were the 2018-2021 seasons, with the NBA Championship won in 2021
* 2013 and 2014 seasons in bottom three of winning-records out of the sample years
* The Bucks led the NBA in points per game in 2019 and 2020
* Reduction of shots taken past the three-point line

• In the earlier seasons, you see a higher density of shots contained within the entire three-point line. As we progress, three-pointers and points in the paint become more defined and separate. A shift away from mid-range shots our players are leaning on their strengths, with our shooters taking high-percentage three-pointers and our big men, like Giannis, driving to the hoop. In addition, the success of a mid-range shot is similar in probability to a three-pointer but if made, results in one less point.
• The graphs of 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 can be seen to display the largest amounts of green, indicating points scored. In general, high-scoring games lead to wins so it is expected that these 4 seasons would be the top 4 winning-records of this sample.
• The graphs of 2013 and 2014 display some of the largest and most clustered areas of red, indicating missed shots. It is very difficult to win games on defense alone so it makes sense that the two graphs with large swaths of red were in the bottom three winning-records of this sample.
• 2019 and 2020, as shown in these graphs, display a large quantity and density of points scored. This correlates with the fact that in those two seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks led the NBA in points per game (PPG).
• From 2012 to 2021, there is a slight decrease in shots taken past the three-point line. This is good for multiple reasons. First, these are low-percentage shots that gain you no more points than a shot from the three-point line. Unless there is low time on the clock and we are down by three points, players should work to get the ball closer to the hoop in a more enviable position to score. This relates to the second reason that a decrease in these types of shots is beneficial. Since most long-distance and half-court shots are taken as a last-ditch effort to win the game or tie for overtime, the decrease can be assumed to indicate that the Bucks have been in less of these positions as time has increased. This correlates with the fact that the top 4 winning-records are in the last 4 years of this sample. When you are winning games, you are not typically taking these long-distance shots. Decrease in low-percentage half-court shots can be seen to relate to amount of games won.

Interest was expressed in looking at our franchise player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and his shot-charts from the 2021 season to present. It is my understanding that we wanted to see how Giannis has been performing since our last championship win in the 2021 season. As you can see in the graphics, Giannis has been performing at a high-level of play for the last 5 seasons. The NBA reports that Giannis is currently 2nd in points-per-game, at a whopping 30.4 PPG. This aligns with the graphics, with 2025 showing large and concentrated amounts of green. As you can also see, Giannis has decreased his three-point attempts and focused more on in-the-paint scoring. This is due to the acquiring of highly skilled three-point shooters, such as Damian Lillard and Gary Trent Jr. With successful shooters to support him, Giannis is able to use his size and speed to score in the paint. The statistics support that Giannis is one of the best players on the Milwaukee Bucks and he should be compensated and supported as such.

The Deliverables

1. Upload your report and code file(s) to GitHub by 11:00am on Friday, April 4.
2. Submit (on Canvas) your report, code, and link to your GitHub repository by 11:00am on Friday, April 4.